Spotify Introduces In-App Messaging Feature to Enhance Sharing on Platform
Spotify, the popular music streaming platform, has announced the rollout of a new in-app messaging feature. This feature allows users to chat directly within the app, further enhancing its social capabilities.
Starting this week, the new messaging functionality will be available to users in the US, Canada, Brazil, EU, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. It is currently accessible on mobile devices for users aged 16 and above in select Latin and South American markets.
The messaging section can be found under the left hover bar in the app, where users will find their conversations. Messages are encrypted in transit and at rest, although they are not end-to-end encrypted. Spotify emphasizes that this feature complements, not replaces, external sharing.
Users can react to messages with emojis, and new chat requests require approval from the recipient. The feature is designed to facilitate conversations between users who have shared content, collaborated on playlists, joined a Jam/Blend, or share a Family/Duo plan with.
Gustav SoΜderstroΜm, Spotify's Chief Product & Tech Officer, hinted at more interactive features, stating that the consumer experience will be much more interactive. This move is part of Spotify's push to become a social platform for music and podcast consumption.
Some users have expressed concerns about the app becoming cluttered, with the interface feeling overwhelming. However, Spotify assures that the new feature will not interfere with the core music streaming experience.
If successful, in-app messages could help Spotify compete with platforms like TikTok, where music discovery and social interaction already intersect. Users can opt out of the new messaging feature under Settings > Privacy and Social.
Spotify has been gradually adding social features, including following friends, podcast comments, and a redesigned video-focused feed. The introduction of in-app messaging further solidifies its position as a social platform, offering a more integrated experience for its users.
